Title
The Source of Discouragement
Scripture
The soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses.
(Numbers 21:4-5)
Devotional
Discouragement has a way of clouding the mind. Like a wounded animal, it strikes out at whatever is closest to it. Discouragement is always self-imposed. No one can make you or me discouraged. It is a choice we make. We can be enticed into discouragement, but to follow its path, again, is a choice. How foolish of us to lash out at the only one able to deliver us from the discouragement to which this word lures us. What an awful mistake to blame those God has called us to follow for our self-imposed disillusionment. Because of our inherent nature, discouragements will come. We will look for someone to blame. Let us blame the true enemy, the accuser of the brethren, and the prince of darkness. Instead of turning against the Lord and those whom He has placed in our lives, let us, as the apostle James instructs, "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."[1]
[1] James 4:7